CHAPTER 163

Tang Ruoyao's lips curled up slightly, feeling satisfied.

Suddenly, a voice sounded from above with a hint of teasing, "Happy?"

Tang Ruoyao looked up at her, her eyes playfully mocking, clearly seeing through the little trick she was playing, causing her face to blush involuntarily.

Indeed, she had... intentionally tried to deceive the woman and say a few sweet words to her.

Qin Yinong tightened her arms around her and there was a hint of uneasiness in her tone, "Ruoyao, do you not like me being like this?"

"Like what?"

"Too boring, not good at saying sweet words to please you." The woman's voice lowered.

Tang Ruoyao sat up and looked into her eyes seriously, "You're not bad at saying sweet words at all. Just by looking at me, I feel like you're showering me with affectionate sweet words."

"..." Qin Yinong said, "I'm serious."

Tang Ruoyao's expression was solemn as she said firmly, "I'm serious too."

Qin Yinong seemed somewhat skeptical, but still said, "But you enjoy hearing them, don't you?" Otherwise, she wouldn't deliberately use words to guide her.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Rare things are precious, right? If you say them occasionally, my face turns red and my heart beats faster. If you say them too often, then they lose their value, don't they?"

Qin Yinong seemed to understand but not fully.

After a few seconds, Tang Ruoyao contradicted herself, saying, "That's not what I meant. What I meant was to let things happen naturally." The sweetness of first love was accompanied by worries, and she wouldn't go into the ways of getting along. It had to be taken step by step, experimenting slowly, without being able to clearly explain the reasoning behind it.

Tang Ruoyao thought for a moment and said, "Baby."

Qin Yinong liked this nickname very much. Her already gentle gaze became unbelievably soft, and her voice was gentle, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao restrained the urge to kiss her and instead held both of her hands in hers, gently caressing her smooth hand back with her fingertips, looking into her eyes and asking, "Why do you always ask me if I like you this way or that way?"

Under Tang Ruoyao's almost sharp gaze, Qin Yinong lowered her head.

Tang Ruoyao continued, "Are you afraid that one day I won't like you anymore? That I'll get tired of you?" As she spoke these words, a hint of anger and concern for Qin Yinong emerged in her chest.

Fortunately, Qin Yinong shook her head.

Tang Ruoyao breathed a sigh of relief and gently said, "Then why is that?"

Qin Yinong softly said something, almost inaudible, and Tang Ruoyao couldn't quite catch it. She asked, "What did you say?"

Qin Yinong lifted her eyes and quickly glanced at her before lowering her head again.

"I don't know either," Qin Yinong whispered. "I just thought... maybe..."

Her voice gradually trailed off, and this time Tang Ruoyao learned her lesson and directly brought her ear closer to her lips, vaguely hearing, "...I like you so much."

Tang Ruoyao's heart raced.

In the quiet of the night, hearing one confession after another, who could withstand it?

Certainly not her.

So she put her hands down and instead leaned against Qin Yinong's side, unceremoniously kissing the lips she had longed for.

Qin Yinong: "Mmm..."

She released the kiss just in time, and Tang Ruoyao kissed her way up from her lips, touching her nose, eyes, eyebrows, all the way to her forehead. Some kisses were light, some were intense, creating a crisp sound. She joyfully exclaimed, "I feel the same way."

Qin Yinong blushed from the kisses, feeling shy, and asked knowingly, "Feel the same way about what?"

Tang Ruoyao gazed at her and said, "I like you so much." More accurately, she loved her.

They loved each other, deeply and profoundly.

But the word "love" was difficult for two introverted people to say, at least for now.

Because they loved each other so much, they unconsciously worried if they were doing well enough, if there was something that displeased the other person, if they were laying hidden dangers in their lives. If there were any issues, they had to resolve them promptly because they were lovers who would be together for a lifetime.

Love is not just about "I love you" and "You love me," it requires effort, both people being attentive to each other, in order to last.

Qin Yinong was too serious, perhaps even overly cautious, seeing potential problems everywhere. But Tang Ruoyao saw the preciousness in her sincerity.

As they walked on the path of first love, they might encounter smooth sailing or stumbling blocks in the future, but they firmly believed that they would hold each other's hands tightly and never let go.

Emotions flowed through their gaze as they looked at each other, and the air was filled with the sweet taste of honey.

Qin Yinong hadn't forgotten the main question at this point, "So, do you think it's better if I frequently say sweet words or if I maintain the current situation?"

Tang Ruoyao playfully raised an eyebrow and said, "Even if I like sweet words, can you say them frequently?"

Qin Yinong's serious tone was resolute as she said, "Yes, I can change." Her expression didn't seem fake.

Afraid that Qin Yinong was taking it seriously, Tang Ruoyao quickly added, "No need to change. I like you just the way you are." It wasn't about the quantity of sweet words. When two people love each other, they can never have too many sweet words. But Tang Ruoyao didn't want her to deliberately change.

Qin Yinong, as if determined, said, "Maybe you would prefer me after I've changed."

Tang Ruoyao felt anxious and suddenly had a clever idea. She said, "How long have we been together? I mean, officially together."

Without hesitation, Qin Yinong replied, "Twenty-one days."

Tang Ruoyao's heart felt a slight sweetness, but she suppressed it and made a rational argument, saying, "We've only been together for such a short time, and we still don't know each other well enough or have found the right way to be together."

"And then?"

"I read in a book that the most interesting and anticipated aspect of being together is the process of gradually changing for each other, becoming better individuals who are more suitable for each other. Sometimes I think about what we'll be like after a year together, or three years, or even ten years. Doesn't it sound intriguing?"

"Which book?" Qin Yinong suddenly focused on a different point.

"I forgot. It was a romance novel recommended by Wen Shuxian."

Qin Yinong glanced at her.

Tang Ruoyao quickly added, "I'll ask her to find it for me tomorrow."

Qin Yinong responded calmly, "It doesn't have to be that specific book."

Tang Ruoyao was thrilled because Qin Yinong probably wanted to read some romance novels to compensate for her lack of experience. Tang Ruoyao recalled a few romance novels she had read, and none of the protagonists were like Qin Yinong.

She had a sudden idea and smiled as she asked, "Baby, do you know what 'Sū' means?"

As expected, Qin Yinong's eyes showed confusion, and she replied, "What does it mean?"

Tang Ruoyao decided not to let internet slang "corrupt" her pure soul and said, "I don't know either. I just thought of it and wanted to ask you."

Qin Yinong asked her in return, "Do you know what 'A' means?"

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself, 'of course I know,' but she pretended to be innocent and shook her head politely, saying, "I don't know, what does it mean?"

Qin Yinong didn't have as many tricks as her. She explained patiently, "It means someone has a strong presence and looks very handsome. Many of your Weibo fans praise you like that."

Tang Ruoyao was surprised and asked, "You still check my Weibo?"

Qin Yinong initially wanted to deny it, but since they were at this stage in their relationship, she bit her lip and told the truth, saying, "Yes."

"Did you create a fake account to follow me?" Tang Ruoyao laughed, thinking she was just like herself.

"No, wait, it was Guan Han who prepared it for me. You could call it a fake account, I guess." There were countless celebrities with secret accounts. Qin Yinong's main account was mostly managed by her studio and Guan Han.

Tang Ruoyao was about to be overwhelmed by Qin Yinong's serious cuteness. She struggled to restrain herself and asked, "Do you think I'm handsome too?"

Qin Yinong nodded and then shook her head.

Not only handsome but also beautiful.

"Huh?"

"...Let's go to sleep." Qin Yinong refused to say more and spoke softly before sliding under the covers.

Tang Ruoyao laughed.

There had been too many sweet words exchanged today, and her girlfriend was feeling shy. It didn't matter, they had plenty of time ahead of them.

Qin Yinong was sleeping on her side, and Tang Ruoyao hugged her from behind.

Qin Yinong turned around, and the two of them naturally shared a pure kiss.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, baby."

They both smiled, lightly touched foreheads like a childish agreement, and then closed their eyes.

In the middle of the night, Qin Yinong was sleeping a bit restlessly. She moved in her sleep, her long lashes trembling, and suddenly called out softly, "Yaoyao!"

Tang Ruoyao didn't wake up, but her ears instinctively caught the sound. She reached out her arm and skillfully pulled the woman closer into her embrace. Qin Yinong gradually relaxed her tense body within the familiar embrace and fell into a deep sleep.

Tang Ruoyao didn't have the habit of sleeping in, especially recently when her schedule was more regular. She woke up at six o'clock and looked down to see Qin Yinong resting in the curve of her arm, breathing peacefully, sleeping quietly.

She gently kissed the woman's forehead and carefully pulled her arm out.

Qin Yinong furrowed her brows, and Tang Ruoyao immediately stopped.

But she was already awake.

Qin Yinong rubbed her eyes and sounded affectionate, "Where are you going?" Her voice carried a hint of laziness, unintentionally seductive.

"I woke you up." Tang Ruoyao felt a trace of self-blame flashing in her eyes and kissed Qin Yinong's eyelashes before saying, "I want to go to the gym downstairs."

"Exercising?"

"Yes."

"I'll accompany you."

"The doctor said you can't exercise for now."

"You exercise, and I'll watch."

"...Okay."

The two of them woke up together and brushed their teeth and washed their faces. Qin Yinong, being a female celebrity, couldn't do without exercising to maintain her figure. Even when busy, she would insist on working out three to four times a week, and she would even do yoga when she had time.

Tang Ruoyao opened Qin Yinong's closet, picked out a sporty tank top and shorts, and went into the bathroom to change. When she came out, Qin Yinong turned her head upon hearing the sound and her gaze became fixated on the young woman.

It wasn't that she hadn't seen Tang Ruoyao before, Qin Yinong had seen her everywhere. But the sight before her now was different from their previous encounters.

The sports tank top was black, contrasting with the fair skin, making the black and white stand out even more. The young woman had a slender waist, but it wasn't frail. It was flat and firm without an ounce of excess fat. The faint outline of her abdominal muscles revealed her strength. She exuded sensuality, not overly seductive due to her youth and cool temperament, but rather a sense of youthfulness and vitality.

Her legs were long and straight, the kind that clearly indicated years of exercise. The muscle lines were smooth but not exaggerated, displaying a sense of strength. Her calves were slender and had a particularly pleasing curve.

Her figure had beautiful curves and was well-proportioned in all the right places. Everything was just right.

Qin Yinong suddenly averted her gaze and looked down at herself.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Qin Yinong?"

Qin Yinong snapped out of her reverie and asked, "Going downstairs?"

"Yes." Tang Ruoyao held her hand and led her downstairs.

The earliest to wake up in the house were Aunt Fang and Ji Shulan because Ningning was still a child and needed sufficient sleep. The two elderly ladies hadn't prepared breakfast yet. When they saw Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong coming downstairs, Aunt Fang quickly got up from the couch and said, "You're up. What would you like to eat for breakfast?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Thank you, but I won't eat for now. I'll exercise first."

Aunt Fang had seen Qin Yinong like this before, so she was used to it and said, "Oh, I see. And what about Miss?" referring to Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong said, "I'm not in a hurry either. Just stick to our usual schedule. You can go about your business, you don't have to worry about us."

Tang Ruoyao poured a bowl of milk and cornflakes, providing the necessary sugar before exercising. After taking a break, she finally entered the gym.

The two of them exchanged a glance.

Tang Ruoyao's expression was subtle as she lowered her voice and said, "Do you think your mom and Aunt Fang are acting strange?" When they came downstairs earlier, the two of them were sitting close on the couch, but as soon as they heard the sound, they immediately separated a bit.

Qin Yinong made a noncommittal sound and had a calm expression.

Tang Ruoyao felt a bit awkward and asked, "Am I overthinking? Speculating about elders is impolite, no matter what."

Qin Yinong replied, "No."

After returning from Cannes last year, she spent much more time at home. She couldn't hide anything from her eyes when it came to the relationship between the two elderly people, but she chose not to expose it. If Ji Shulan chose to confess to her one day, she would sincerely accept it.

She felt relieved subconsciously when she discovered the bond between Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang went beyond the normal range. Ji Shulan was a responsibility she carried on her shoulders, and having someone she liked to accompany her in her later years indirectly relieved Qin Yinong's psychological burden. To some extent, it was also a contributing factor to her accepting Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao was slightly surprised and asked, "Then..."

Qin Yinong reached out and pinched her face, unable to contain her amusement, and said, "Silly, I have sense of propriety."

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "Okay."

The gym was occasionally used by Qin Yinong. It had a complete set of fitness equipment. Tang Ruoyao stepped onto the treadmill first and started with a slow walk before increasing the speed.

It had been a while since she last exercised, so she needed to gradually build up her stamina.

Qin Yinong sat in a wheelchair, watching her. She had a book in her hand, alternating between reading and observing Tang Ruoyao. She looked at her with a smile and even sent a message on her phone midway.

Tang Ruoyao gradually worked up a sweat, and beads of perspiration rolled down her body, following the contours. Bathed in the sunlight pouring into the gym, her skin seemed to shimmer.

With her back turned to Qin Yinong, Qin Yinong quietly picked up her phone, set it to silent mode, and took a photo.

As an artist, Tang Ruoyao was sensitive to cameras. Without turning back, she slightly curved her lips upward.

After finishing her run, Tang Ruoyao took a short break and moved on to the weightlifting equipment. She had just finished a set of bench presses.

Faint piano music reached her ears.

Qin Yinong listened for a moment and said, "Ningning is up practicing the piano."

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao felt a tugging at her heartstrings, and her nose felt a bit sour.

Qin Yinong asked, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "It's nothing." She gritted her teeth and continued with the next set. Could it be that she was crying tears of happiness? How unbecoming.

Then, there was some movement.

This time it came from the yard, and Tang Ruoyao not only heard it but also saw it. She sat up and, through the floor-to-ceiling window, caught sight of an unfamiliar figure passing by in the distance, wearing a worker's uniform, looking uncertain.

Qin Yinong said calmly, "Don't worry, I had Guan Han call someone."

Tang Ruoyao didn't understand.

Qin Yinong said, "The swimming pool."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly realized.

After Qin Yinong started dating her, she began showing a more submissive side, and Tang Ruoyao almost forgot that Qin Yinong had always been decisive and had an all-powerful assistant like Guan Han at her command.

Early in the morning, Guan Han received her message and immediately contacted the property management and technical workers to come and clear the weeds, inspect the pool's equipment for any issues, and ensure it could operate normally again.

Regarding the swimming pool, she had a bit of selfishness, so she instructed Guan Han to act quickly.

Tang Ruoyao looked outside, and naturally, people passing by outside would also look in. Although the distance was a bit far, they probably couldn't see her face clearly, only her vague figure.

But Qin Yinong still stood up, calmly walked to the window, and raised all the white curtains before sitting back down as if nothing had happened.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her, with a knowing smile in her eyes.

Qin Yinong cleared her throat and changed the subject, saying, "Didn't you say yesterday you would have Wen Shuxian find me a novel?"

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "I'll ask her now."

In front of Qin Yinong, she sent a message to Wen Shuxian. Miss Wen was probably on her way to a filming location, and she replied instantly: [Okay! What kind do you want?]

Tang Ruoyao thought for a moment and typed: [I want the kind where the romantic relationship is established, with more scenes of them being together. Avoid the cliché of an abusive relationship with a deeply obsessed male lead and a despicable female lead, only getting together at the end.]

She showed it to Qin Yinong, who nodded.Tang Ruoyao sent it and added: [Ideally, it should be a sweet romance.] She didn't want to see Qin Yinong crying from being mistreated, although the chances were only one in a million.

Wen Shuxian replied with an okay gesture.

Tang Ruoyao put down her phone and said with a smile, "What do you think her reaction would be if she knew it was you who wanted to read a romance novel? I think she would be so excited she'd faint. After she saw you on set last time, she became your devoted fan, did you know?"

Qin Yinong glanced at her nonchalantly.

Tang Ruoyao put her index finger to her lips, gesturing for silence, and assured her, "Don't worry, I won't tell her, I promise!"

Qin Yinong whispered, "Only you can."

Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment before understanding, and her heart filled with sweetness once again.

Only she can see her like this, no one else can, not even anyone else.

You are unique.

This woman, who said she wouldn't speak sweet words, clearly every time she speaks, it makes her feel all tingly and sweet to the core.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes were filled with that intense eagerness again, as if she was about to pounce. Qin Yinong manipulated the wheelchair and took two steps back, lifting her chin slightly and saying calmly, "Go exercise, two more sets to go."

Tang Ruoyao responded with an "Oh" and happily left.

Qin Yinong silently smiled.

.......

Guan Han walked with the property management towards the backyard, watching the curtains being drawn in front of her eyes. With her familiarity with Qin Yinong, she naturally recognized who that silhouette was.

Guan Han humbly online: "..."

Although she didn't get a piece of candy, she instantly imagined a scenario of a gym workout. Regardless of whether the objective conditions allowed it or not, it didn't hinder her imagination. 

She happily stared at them working hard for two hours, and the backyard was completely renewed. However, the swimming pool couldn't be used immediately because it needed maintenance after being left unused for a long time, and the technical workers were still working on it.

Guan Han went into the house and brought a box of water to the side, inviting the workers to drink, and then entered the main house.

She was a very perceptive person and instantly noticed that the atmosphere in the house was different from yesterday. Tang Ruoyao was accompanying Ningning in building blocks, and there was a neatly arranged calligraphy book on the small table. Sitting in front of the table was...

Guan Han widened her eyes and blinked twice forcefully. Wasn't that Qin Yinong?

What's going on?

Tang Ruoyao was playing with the children, and Qin Yinong was practicing calligraphy?!

Heavens!

Guan Han's mind was buzzing with confusion, and she automatically lost the ability to think.

Qin Yinong also didn't know how the situation had evolved like this. After breakfast, they were all together, Ningning was practicing calligraphy, and Qin Yinong was used to it, but Tang Ruoyao was still fascinated, watching by the side as she willingly accompanied her.

Ningning finished writing a page with concentration, looked up at Tang Ruoyao, and asked softly, "Does Auntie Tang's handwriting look good?"

Tang Ruoyao modestly replied, "It's okay."

Saying that, she immediately wrote a name for the child: Qin Jianing.

Her handwriting doesn't resemble that of an ordinary girl. The joints holding the pen are clean and distinct, slender yet powerful. The strokes of her writing are vigorous, elegant, and free-spirited, displaying a sense of mastery.

Her father, Tang Hanzhang, has excellent handwriting, and Tang Ruoyao learned brush calligraphy from an early age, influenced by him. Her skill is evident to this day.

Ningning stared at her handwriting, amazed by its beauty.

Qin Yinong stared at her hand gripping the pen, captivated.

Afterward, Ningning looked at Qin Yinong, and Tang Ruoyao looked at her too.

Ningning sighed, "Mom's handwriting is so ugly."

Tang Ruoyao suppressed her laughter. She really wanted to agree, but she had to save face for Qin Yinong in front of their daughter. Besides, she didn't want to face the consequences of their private rules, so she tactfully replied, "Is it really that bad?"

Ningning eagerly said, "Mom, write my name and see."

Qin Yinong: "..."

She glanced at Tang Ruoyao with a hint of reproach.

You're showing off! Dragging me into this mess!

Tang Ruoyao struggled to stifle her laughter, avoiding direct eye contact, afraid of bursting into laughter.

Qin Yinong reluctantly picked up the pen, carefully and earnestly wrote "Qin Jianing" stroke by stroke.

Ningning held her mother's freshly completed masterpiece and sighed, "Ah." Especially since Qin Yinong, at Ningning's request, wrote it next to Tang Ruoyao's name, the contrast was undeniably harsh.

Ningning sighed again and said, "Oh, my mom." She assumed a serious expression, as if she were preparing a recitation for her work.

Qin Yinong's face turned from white to red, and then green. She was embarrassed to the point of wanting to hide.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't hold back anymore and stood up, saying, "Um, I'll go wash my hands."

She closed the bathroom door behind her, turned on the tap, and burst into laughter.

When she came out, she heard Qin Jianing sincerely suggest to Qin Yinong, "Mom, why don't you practice calligraphy with me?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Tang Ruoyao walked over, covered her mouth, and coughed, giving Qin Yinong some face, "Mom is very busy, she has a lot of work to do."

Ningning blinked, "But isn't mom not busy now? After I finish practicing, Mom can continue, right?"

It was a reasonable and convincing argument.

Ningning finished practicing her handwriting and wanted to play with building blocks. Qin Yinong attempted to join her in playing with the blocks to avoid the "torture" of practicing handwriting. However, Ningning didn't mind her mother's abysmal talent for building blocks; as long as her mom played with her, she was happy.

However, Qin Yinong overlooked one problem: Tang Ruoyao was capable of playing with Ningning using the building blocks. It went from Ningning teaching Tang Ruoyao on her own to the two of them teaching her together. Tang Ruoyao was determined to teach her no matter what.

With the drama "A Little Thing Called First Love" buzzing in her left ear and her daughter buzzing in her right ear, Qin Yinong made up her mind and decided to practice handwriting in peace.

While she hadn't officially started practicing, Tang Ruoyao quietly approached and hooked her little finger with Qin Yinong's left hand.

Qin Yinong lowered her gaze and smiled.

Tang Ruoyao affectionately tapped her palm before retracting her hand. She turned her head and saw Qin Jianing, the little girl, covering her face with both hands, revealing two bright, shiny eyes and a wide smile on her lips.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but blush and wished she could find a hole to hide in.

After a while, the little girl put her hands down, looking as if nothing had happened, and said, "Let's continue playing."

Tang Ruoyao didn't know what to say to her.

Upon careful consideration, she realized she hadn't done anything at all, not even holding hands. So why was she feeling shy?

That's when Guan Han walked in and witnessed this inexplicable situation.

She walked over, feeling a bit absent-minded, thinking to herself, 'I must be craving sugar too much and hallucinating. Once I get closer, they'll disappear.'

She approached, and everyone looked up to greet her.

"Guan Han," said the cold and distant Tang Ruoyao.

"I'm here," replied the slightly smiling Qin Yinong.

"Auntie Guan Han," said the soft and adorable Qin Jianing.

It was evident that this was a family of three, and outsiders couldn't interfere. Guan Han suddenly felt a sense of "the liveliness belongs to them, and I have nothing." She was both pained and happy and reported, "The swimming pool is undergoing maintenance and cleaning. It will take a few more hours."

Qin Yinong glanced at her phone screen and said, "Invite the masters for lunch."

Guan Han responded, "Understood."

Qin Yinong asked, "Is there anything else?"

Guan Han replied, "Nothing."

Qin Yinong inexplicably felt uneasy and asked, "Then... do as you please?"

Guan Han thought to herself, 'What else could I do? Be a third wheel?'

She casually found a corner to settle in, pretending to play with her phone while secretly enjoying her dog food. She was completely satisfied and content.

Tang Ruoyao sat down and watched Qin Yinong writing. As she observed, she suddenly smiled and gently spoke, "Baby... Teacher Qin, you're holding the brush incorrectly. This stroke should be written last."

Qin Yinong shifted slightly to the side, opened her hand, and handed the brush to Tang Ruoyao to demonstrate. However, Tang Ruoyao didn't take it. Instead, she held the brush along with her hand and embraced her from behind, her lips touching her ear, speaking softly and gently.

"I'll teach you."

Author's Note:

Guan Han: *burp* I'm full.

Tonight, we are all Guan Han, ah ah ah ah ah ah ah.

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